City of Pullman Public Works Director Sean Wells has been nominated by Mayor Francis Benjamin to become the city’s next administrator.

Wells has been involved in public service since 1997 and has served as the public works director for the past two years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Washington State University. The Pullman City Council is scheduled to consider confirming Wells on August 26th, after which he could assume the role of city administrator on September 16th, pending approval. There were three finalists for the position.

This vacancy arose in May following the departure of former Pullman City Administrator Mike Urban. Urban was placed on administrative leave amid the fallout from a scandal involving former Pullman Police Chief Jake Opgenorth. Although Urban was investigated and cleared of any wrongdoing, he later resigned, claiming that he was illegally fired and has threatened legal action against the city. Recently, the Pullman City Council authorized the mayor and finance director to negotiate a legal settlement with Urban.

Currently, Finance Director Jeff Elbracht is serving as the Interim City Administrator, following Recreation Manager Megan Vining’s decision to decline the interim position.